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Michigan AD Dave Brandon: I don't think Brady Hoke deserves blame

Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said he doesn't fault Brady Hoke for what happened with Shane Morris during last Saturday's game versus Minnesota. 
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Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon told the Detroit Free Press that he doesn't fault Brady Hoke for what happened with quarterback Shane Morris during last Saturday's game versus Minnesota

Morris sustained a "probable, mild concussion" on a helmet-to-helmet hit, and Hoke has been largely criticized for Morris staying in the game for a play after the hit and then re-entering for another play later in the quarter as well. 

"I don't think Brady deserves any blame for what happened on the sidelines," Brandon said. "Because Brady is responsible for coaching."

ROSENBERG: Questions about Hoke's integrity are misguided

Brandon said it is the medical staff's job to "notify the coaches if a situation occurs where either somebody needs to come off the field or somebody cannot go back on the field."

The AD said Michigan "did a horrible job" handling Morris, who was not diagnosed with the concussion quickly enough, leading to him being re-inserted into the game. 

On Monday, Hoke said that Morris had been "medically cleared" to return to the field.

At 12:50 a.m. Tuesday, Michigan released a statement revealing Morris' diagnosis. In the statement, Brandon said "I sincerely apologize for the mistakes that were made" and said the university will make important changes to "fully live up to" putting the safety of student-athletes first. 

• STAPLES: Protecting college football players from head injuries

Brandon told the Free Press that the Morris incident will not affect Hoke's job status. 

On Tuesday, Michigan students started an online petition calling for Brandon's firing and held a rally on campus. The petition has garnered more than 11,000 signatures as of Thursday. 

Michigan is 2-3 this season and has lost two in a row. They play at Rutgers on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Hoke indicated that Devin Gardner will start at quarterback against the Scarlet Knights.

- Molly Geary